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Which component to upgrade to improve bass control?

Adding Symposium shelves and rollerblocks to my monitor (Silverline SR17.5) equipped system definitely helped but bass is still not nearly as controlled as I'd like.

Until we move into a different house where I can have a dedicated room for audio, I cannot use subs or add panels, traps, etc. to the room.  

So, I'm left with the possibility of upgrading a component but I have no idea whether my integrated (Wells Majestic), transport (Sim Moon 260) or DAC (Aqua La Voce S2) might be the best candidate for upgrading.

DAC UPGRADE ?
Are R2R ladder DACs simply weak in this area?  Searching the threads, I found a reference to DAC power supplies having a strong influence re: bass control but I lack the technical expertise to utilize this fact. Please keep in mind that I do not enjoy DACs that prioritize resolution above all.  

TRANSPORT UPGRADE ?
Would replacing the Moon transport with say, the new Pro-ject CD Box RS2 T be a better choice? 

INTEGRATED UIPGRADE ?
Would an amp with more grunt be the best choice?

I can only upgrade one of these at this point.
Budget:
Integrated: 5K
Transport: 3.5K
DAC: 5K
stuartk
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Certain amps, such as those cited by tvad, are generally help to exercise greater control over the woofer drivers, which seems to be what you're after.

A more radical solution would be to invest in a pair or a swarm of subwoofers, and just take the bass produced by your monitors out of the equation.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Decouple the mains and subs if you use them. THEN you can achieve cleaner less bloated bass and eliminate the passive out of time driver effect of the floor. It just ruins the potential of GOOD (in the room) bass.

Springs, pods or suspension off the floor work..

Coupling with points or just on the floor.. you might want to rethink that one..

Boom Boom in the Room Room, not the neighbors room...

Regards
stuartk OP
2,372 posts
 
Thanks for all the comments.

@tvad:
The review comparing Pass Labs to Coda would incline me more towards Coda. Needless to say, reviews are no guarantee of satisfaction! Thanks for clarifying Sistrum possibilities. 

@fuzztone:
Please re-read original post re: room treatment. 

@yogiboy:
Yeah-- you may unfortunately be right. I may just have to live with what I've got until we move and I can set up a dedicated room for audio.  It's a bit frustrating that my $400 Schiit Jotunheim headphone amp and even cheaper Grado 225's deliver a more satisfying bass presentation than  the main system.  Perhaps it would make the most sense to invest in a nice pair of Focals and take my pleasure where I can find it. 

@tomic601:
Well, monos ain't gonna happen. Will look into Autoformer. 
stuartk OP
2,372 posts
 
@oldhvymech:

Don't have subs. 

Sand-filled Target stands sit on heavy cement pavers on wood floor with Herbies Gliders between bottom plates of stands and pavers. 

My system is very-less-than-ideally-located in livingroom. I put the pavers under the stands to lift drivers above furniture. 

The Gliders were a big improvement over the spikes that came with the stands. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,821 posts
 
Anticables may have autoformer suitable at low coast low risk. can you locate amp temporarily between speakers w much shorter run ? i have a long run rca u can borrow. Obviously IF it’s the soeaker, none of this is going ti help…much.
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